Connecting the 10 batteries in series multiplies their voltage while keeping their current the same yielding a 120V 10A configuration. Connecting the 10 batteries in parallel multiplies their current while keeping their voltage the same yielding a 12V 100A configuration. Using a series-parallel connection, 5 batteries can be connected in series and 5 can be connected in parallel resulting in a 60V 50A configuration.

Electrical power is measured in watts (W) and is calculated by multiplying the voltage (V) applied to a circuit by the resulting current (I) that flows in the circuit: P = IV. In addition to measuring production capacity, power also measures the rate of energy consumption and many loads are rated for their consumption capacity. For example, a 60W lightbulb utilizes 60W of energy to produce the equivalent of 60W of heat and light energy.

In a parallel circuit, each load occupies a separate parallel path in the circuit and the input voltage is fully applied to each path. Unlike a series circuit where current (I) is the same at all points in the circuit, in a parallel circuit, voltage (V) is the same across each parallel branch of the circuit but current differs in each branch depending on the load (resistance) present.

Resistors can be chosen in a wide variety of values to control the voltage in a circuit, limit the current, or moderate the heat produced by the components in the circuit.

Semiconductors have valence shells that are exacly half full and can conduct electricity under some conditions but not others. This property makes them useful for the control of electrical current.